Revealed: 10 things to do this upcoming Eid break in the UAE

1. Visit a Ramadan night market
Until Friday, May 14, you can visit Dragon Mart in Dubai for a Ramadan market experience. From clothes and home décor to food stalls, you can spend your time in this transformed car park and shop extensively. Other Eid night markets include Dar al Hai souq in the Mall of the Emirates, which is open until May 15.

2. See a comedy show
Get some laughs next weekend. Running from Thursday, May 13 until Saturday, May 22, you can experience Dubai Comedy Festival with shows located all around the emirate. The show stars a mix of local and international comedians including the likes of Eddie Griffen, Ali Al Sayed and Maz Jobrani, among others. Also as part of the festival, Comedy Bizarre, a pop-up with live entertainment, music, food and games inspired by some of the most popular TV shows from the 80s and 90s will be organised in Madinat Jumeirah’s Fort Island.

3. Go on an adventure in Fujairah
It’s a good option to explore the natural landscape in the UAE before it gets too hot. Visit Fujairah Adventure Park to participate in activities ranging from rock climbing to dirt jumps. The park also includes a children’s play area, so it’s a good visit for families too.

4. Go on a staycation or ‘daycation’
What better way to spend your Eid break than a mini staycation? You can stay in the beautiful mountainous landscape of Hatta or visit the sandy beaches of Ras al Khaimah. Some hotels offering Eid packages include the Waldorf Astoria, Raffles Dubai and Media One Hotel among many more. Hilton Dubai is also offering a whole day beach pass at their Wavebreaker beach club.

5. Get active
The UAE is offering many opportunities to stay active this season – whether that’s yoga at the Dubai Opera every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday for Dhs105 or a chance to visit Ski Dubai (with a special 25 per cent off for Eid). You can also always visit Dubai Sports World in Dubai World Trade Centre to play sports from badminton, football, cricket, table tennis and more. Reserve a court for anywhere between Dhs30 to Dhs100 per hour, depending on the sport.

6. See the fireworks over Yas Island
The UAE has announced that Eid fireworks will take place over three nights on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. If going to Yas Island is a challenge, you can find the fireworks live-streamed on the Yas Island Instagram channel at 9pm each night. Dubai is also likely to host fireworks at some of its destinations – details are yet to be revealed.

7. Explore the art scene
There are countless pop-up art exhibitions to explore this Eid break. If you enjoy modern art, then take a look at ‘The World of Banksy‘ located in the Art Centre, Mall of the Emirates. If you prefer the impressionism art style, then look no further than ‘ToDa- The Impressionists‘, located in Souk Madinat Jumeirah.

8. Learn more about Emirati culture
You can spend your Eid break learning about the UAE’s vast culture. Visit Al Shindagha museum to explore the history of Dubai or go to the House of Artisans, re-opened in Abu Dhabi, for an exhibition surrounding Emirati crafts and heirlooms.

9. Visit Roll DXB
The first of its kind indoor roller-skate rink by Roll DXB is not to be missed this upcoming Eid break. This 70’s themed rink allows you to rent skates and spend 90 minutes roller-skating under the bright disco lights. While closed on Wednesday, May 12, you can experience this from May 13-15 at expanded hours from 10am to 1am.

10. Watch a show
There are so many ongoing and upcoming shows to enjoy. La Perle by Dragone offers live ‘aqua theatre’, paying homage to the UAE’s pearl diving history. QE2 is offering the play ‘Little Mermaid’ live from Wednesday, May 12 onwards.